ships. But the League held firm, waiting for the signal from their commander, which came in the end along with a change in the wind.
Suddenly the odds had altered. Now they were in favour of the League. It seemed that God was with them.
Kathryn could not rest. She had heard no news of Lorenzo for weeks and the waiting was at times unbearable. She had always known that it might be months before he returned to her, but she had hoped that there might be some news before this.
‘It is the uncertainty I find so distressing,’ Kathryn said to Elizabeta as they sat together at their sewing. ‘Every day I expect that we may hear something, but there has been no word.’
Elizabeta nodded, stretching to ease her back. She was in the early stages of childbearing, though as yet it was hardly noticeable.
‘My husband has contributed to the League’s funds, as all men of conscience must,’ she said. ‘But I must tell you, Kathryn, that I am relieved he takes no part in this war. I know it must be very worrying for you.’
‘I try not to be anxious,’ Kathryn told her. ‘Lorenzo promised that he would return to me and I must believe that.’
‘Yes, of course,’ Elizabeta said and smiled. She showed Kathryn the exquisite embroidery she was doing for her baby’s shawl. ‘I am sure he will return to you in time. After all, this is not the first time your husband has fought his enemies.’
‘No, that is true.’ Kathryn laid her sewing aside as she heard voices in the hall and then Veronique came into the salon with their visitor. ‘Paolo,’ she said and stood up to greet him. ‘It is good to see you.’
‘I knew you would be anxious for news,’ he said. ‘I came as soon as I heard—it seems that the League has won a great victory over the Turks.’
‘A victory!’ Kathryn could not keep the delight from her voice, her eyes lighting up from inside. ‘I am so very pleased. But what else have you heard?’
‘There have been casualties on both sides,’ Paolo said carefully. He had heard that they were heavy, but did not wish to frighten her. ‘They say that Don John’s strategy was brilliant, but there was hard fighting. It was not won easily, surging this way and that, but the Turkish commander was killed and that helped to carry the day. Also, it is said that, on board the Turkish ships, the galley slaves broke free of their chains and joined in the fighting against their cruel masters.’
‘You have no other news…for me?’ She looked at him eagerly.
‘I cannot tell you that Lorenzo is safe, Kathryn, for I do not know. But some of our ships may return soon and then we may learn more.’
‘Yes, I understand,’ Kathryn said. She was on fire with impatience to discover more, but knew she must control her feelings. ‘It was good of you to come and tell me.’
‘I knew you would be anxious,’ he said. ‘As soon as there is more news I shall tell you.’
Kathryn thanked him. She invited him to stay and take some wine with them, but he said that he had other calls to make.
‘Well,’ Elizabeta said after he had gone. ‘Paolo brought good news, Kathryn. If the Turks are defeated, it means that the war is over, and that means Lorenzo should soon be on his way home to you.’
‘Yes.’ Kathryn smiled, her heart racing with excitement. ‘I do hope so, Elizabeta. I cannot wait to have him home again.’
The battle against the Turks was won for the moment. Lorenzo did not doubt that they would grow strong again in time, but it had been a fierce fight and for the moment the enemy could do nothing but slink away to lick its wounds, which meant that these seas would be that much safer.
Lorenzo had lost three of his galleys in the battle of Lepanto. Crews from other ships had rescued some of the men, though inevitably some had been lost. At least his crew had chosen to fight of their own free will, which was not the case for all. However, they had captured several rich prizes, and that meant the men would be well rewarded for their work.
‘What will you do next?’ Michael asked as he came on board Lorenzo’s personal galley. ‘Are you returning to Rome at once?’
‘Those galleys that have sustained damage should head for Sicily and make what repairs they can before returning home,’ Lorenzo said. ‘It is my intention to escort them there and to visit with Lord Mountfitchet for a few days before I return to Rome.’
Michael inclined his head. ‘And what would you have me do?’
‘Take the rest of the fleet back to Rome. Stay there until I return if you will, Michael. I shall be a week or so behind you. When I come, we shall discuss the future.’
‘Is it in your mind to change things?’
‘I am not yet certain of my plans. I will know more when I have spoken to Lord Mountfitchet. I may return to England, at least for a while.’
‘Return to England?’ Michael looked puzzled. ‘Was that country once your home?’
‘Did I say that?’ Lorenzo frowned. ‘I meant that I might take Kathryn to her home for a visit.’
He spoke with Michael for a little longer, and then they parted company. He was thoughtful as he gave the order to the stricken galleys. It would be safer if they travelled as a group, for they were vulnerable. However, his own galley was not damaged and he would be their escort to Sicily. And then…
What did he expect to learn from Lord Mountfitchet? Lorenzo was uncertain, but his dream had haunted him for a while now. In it he saw two young people on a beach. The youth told the girl to run and fetch help while he fought the men who sought to capture them…and there was also a picture of a house and a man the youth had called father. There were other things coming to him now, things that seemed so real that he could not think them dreams, and yet he was afraid to call them memories.
Was it possible that Charles Mountfitchet was his father? Or had Lorenzo simply taken things that Kathryn had told him and made something from them? Were these flashes that came into his mind at times true memories or merely imagination? It seemed unlikely that he could be Richard Mountfitchet, and yet of late something had been telling him that he must speak of his thoughts.
Kathryn would be waiting for him in Rome, but it would mean a delay of no more than a week or so, and he had a feeling that it was important for both of them that he should speak to Charles.
Kathryn was in the garden, picking flowers to take into the house, when she heard the ring of booted steps behind her and turned eagerly. Her heart took a flying leap as she saw her visitor.
‘Michael!’ she cried joyfully. ‘I am so glad to see you back. Are you well? Is Lorenzo with you?’
‘I am well,’ he told her. ‘I thank you for you inquiry, Kathryn—and I am happy to tell you that Lorenzo was well when I last saw him. He escorted some of our wounded galleys to Sicily, for they needed urgent repairs and were vulnerable. I believe that he intended to speak to Lord Mountfitchet before returning to Rome.’
‘I had a letter from Lady Mary only yesterday,’ Kathryn said. ‘They have found land and a house in Sicily that suits them and they think they may stay there.
